paris

Demonstrators set fire to cars and barricades in the middle of the Champs-Elysées, with police firing tear gas and water cannons in response. President Macron has refused to back down over the tax increases, insisting it’s part of his strategy to combat climate change.

A procession across Paris, a eulogy from the President and a day-long national homage: France has bestowed its highest honour on the police officer who died after he exchanged himself for a hostage during an extremist attack in south west France. Colonel Arnaud Bertrand, declared President Macron, symbolised “the spirit of French resistance”.

Paris came to halt today as hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets of the French capital for the funeral of rock star Jonny Hallyday. President Emmanuel Macron led tributes to the singer at a special service in the city’s Madeleine church. Ed Howker reports.

Tens of thousands of police officers and elite special forces are being deployed across France after last night’s shooting, the authorities determined not to let Sunday’s Presidential elections be disrupted.

President François Hollande has marked the first anniversary of the terror attacks of 2015 by unveiling plaques commemorating the 130 victims. And the state of emergency imposed since then looks likely to be extended.